TAM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield TAM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the minimum legal age to serve alcohol in Maryland? → 18 years old
2. How can servers promote customer safety while serving alcohol? → Serve alcohol only with food and monitor behavior
3. Which of the following is a sign of intoxication? → Slurred speech and loss of coordination
4. What is the best way to handle a situation where a customer becomes aggressive? → De-escalate calmly and contact security or police
5. Which of the following best describes a key competency required for training & staff development in TAM practice? → Strong analytical skills combined with effective communication and ethical judgment
6. What should you do if an ID appears to be fake or altered? → Refuse service and notify a supervisor
7. What is an appropriate intervention technique for an intoxicated patron? → Offer food or water and speak calmly
8. Approximately what percentage of consumed alcohol is metabolized by the liver, with the remainder eliminated through breath, sweat, and urine? → 90–95%
9. At what BAC level does Maryland define the lesser offense of Driving While Impaired (DWI)? → 0.07%
10. What feature should you always check on an ID? → Photo, expiration, and holograms
11. What is the approximate rate at which the liver eliminates alcohol in most adults? → 0.015–0.02% BAC per hour
12. Which action should a server take if a guest is intoxicated? → Refuse service and offer water or food
13. Which of the following counts as ONE standard drink under U.S. guidelines? → 5 oz of wine (12% ABV)
14. At what age is a customer legally allowed to purchase alcohol in Maryland? → 21
15. How should staff respond when a sober friend offers to drive an intoxicated guest? → Support the decision and help with a safe exit
16. Why is it important to train staff in responsible alcohol service? → To reduce liability and improve safety
17. At a BAC of 0.08%, which of the following impairments is most commonly observed? → Significantly reduced muscle coordination, slower reaction time, and impaired judgment
18. What is the BAC limit for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in Maryland? → 0.04%
19. Which ID is considered valid for alcohol purchase verification in Maryland? → Government-issued photo ID
20. How does carbonation in alcoholic beverages (such as champagne or mixed drinks with soda) affect alcohol absorption? → It speeds up absorption by increasing stomach motility
21. In the context of TAM certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing establishment policies & procedures? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
22. In the context of TAM certification, what is the most important consideration when implementing special event alcohol service? → Ensuring alignment with established standards, stakeholder needs, and best practices
23. What is the best course of action if a customer appears intoxicated? → Stop serving alcohol and offer water or food
24. Which organ is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body? → Liver
25. Which of the following factors does NOT significantly affect the rate of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream? → The drinker's eye color
26. Which method is best for calculating a customer’s age from an ID? → Use a calendar or scanner
27. Which behavior may indicate a person is becoming intoxicated? → Aggressive or loud behavior
28. Why is ID verification important for business owners? → To avoid legal penalties and protect the business
29. What is 'happy hour' restriction in Maryland? → Restrictions on drink specials to limit overconsumption
30. At approximately what BAC do most people begin to show measurable signs of impairment, even if they do not feel drunk? → 0.02%